Neil Barnes

The Ponderosa Sessions

Independent

Neil Barnes first learned to play harmonica from Gary Smith, the Godfather of the South Bay Area blues scene. Gary took the time to show the how-to’s and the don’t-do’s. Neil also spent a lot of time going to see Charlie Musselwhite everywhere he played in the area. “I finally got the nerve to ask him for a private lesson and imagine my surprise  when he said ‘yes’ and showed up at my parent’s house”. Neils problem was the third position, and Charlie patiently played guitar until Neil learned the mechanics. Charlie is an inspiration. Other people who influenced Neil were Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Lee Oscar, Levon Helm, Robert Montes and Bob Gomes. Robert and Bob were child- hood friends and their band was called the Jackson Street Band. Neil was able to hang out stage-side to Freddie King, Albert King, Albert Collins and others. During the 1980’s Neil formed his own band “Bar-B-Q Barnes and the Rib-Tones. Montes palyed drums,  and Gomes the Hammond B-3. Neil was able to play with Sonny Lane and Johnny  Waters, and Sonny helped Neil enlist Francis Clay (Muddy Waters) and Luther Tucker. Neil also played Piedmont Blues as “The Duo” with guitarist Greg Hartman. In 1980 Neil was able to cut a 45 with two of his own songs; included on the session were Little Willie Littlefield on piano, Ron Thompson vocals, Junior Watson on guitar, bassist Bill  Stuve, and Montes on drums. A couple of years later Neil met Mark Naftalin and was with him when Naftalin (Paul Butterfield) was inducted into the Rock ‘N Roll Hall Of Fame. In 2020 Neil released “Bald Guy With A Lot On His Mind” included were some sessions done at Kid Andersen’s Greaseland Studios with an A-team including Johnny Cat Soubrand, June Core, the late Ron Thompson, and others. A digital 45 followed  including Mighty Mike Schermer. Neil’s latest project is this 5-song EP “The Ponderosa Sessions” produced by Schermer.

The ensemble on this recording includes Schermer, guitar, slide guitar and vocals; Barnes, harmonica; Kid Andersen, stand-up and electric bass; Paul Revelli, drums, and pianists Jim Pugh or Kris Landrum, and Terry Hanck, saxophone on one track. Backing vocalists include Schermer, Andersen, Hanck, and Barnes.

The EP opens with the Bonanza Theme song, an instrumental written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, originally performed by Buddy Morrow and His Orchestra, and arranged by Barnes on harmonica, and guitarist Schermer, while Landrum plays organ. “Blues Like  A Spider” was written by Barnes and Schermer as Schermer sings “Blues like a spider never more than three feet away, they’re crawling all around us, each and every day,  they’re up on the ceiling and underneath your bed, crawling all around you, and you know  that every day”. The backing singers are humorously referred to as the Arachnids,  Schermer, Andersen, Hanck, and Barnes.

“Tin Foil Hat” written by Schermer features him with a narrative “this is a story about a  friend of mine used to hang out all the time, now he stays up in his room, thinking about the doom and gloom, he says the world is flat, he think’s the world’s gonna’ end, sittin’ there in his tinfoil hat”. “Coffee And A Kiss” also from Barnes and Schermer, sounds like  New Orleans as Landrum plays accordion while Hanck honks on his saxophone, as Schermer chimes “a cup of coffee and a tender kiss…will accomodate…don’t worry about weather as long as we’re together…I got a sunny state of mind, a combination that just don’t miss, a cup of coffee and a tender kiss”.

The closer “Clarkdale” written by the team of Barnes and Schermer includes the lyric as Schermer croons “well I’m going down to the Delta play some music with my friends… I got to mellow down easy cause thats where my hearts gonn’ be…down in Clarksdale, Mississippi, don’t know when I’ll be back again”, with some great slide from Schermer, harp from Barnes, and piano from Pugh.

Neil Barnes spens a lot of time focusing on his own creativity. He states “the juice for me is choosing the material and the musicians and exchanging ideas around an original song or reworking a cover…” This can be felt by the listener on “The Ponerosa Sessions”. The  only problem is that Barnes will leave you begging for more.

Richard Ludmerer

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included